is a device used to separate vapours, liquids, soluble particles, or oil from another fluid through a coalescing effect. The coalescing effect refers to the coming together of liquid aerosols to form a larger whole, which is easier to filter out of the system due to increased weight.
The coalescing filter consists of several progressive layers which perform specific functions; from separating solid particles to liquid molecules from a gas flow. Some common materials used as coalescing filters include borosilicate microfibers and semi-permeable membranes. A coalescing filter for natural gas separates water vapor and other particulates to improve product purity.
The filter unit combines three principles to filter out oil aerosols: 1) Direct interception – a sieving action, 2) Inertial impaction: collision with filter media fibres, 3) Diffusion: particles travel in spiral motion, presenting an effective frontal area thus capturing particles within the filter medium.
